What's so amazing about these highlights is the defenders Isiah was giving the business to . There were All Defensive players, HOF players, bigger players and a group of players Isiah was breaking down off the dribble to get buckets.
More so then that its an era where perimeter defenders were allowed to make contact with ball handlers and teams were also playing 3 in 2 out or 4 in 1 out so when you did break down the defender you still had two big`s to finish over and through.
@@terrellbatton3947 the basket will always be at 7'0" (3,05 mt.) from the floor, therefore height will always be part of the talent to play basketball. We can say "if they were the same height Isiah would be better" but I disagree with "Isiah was better 'cause he was smaller"
@@BD-uw1kq Seems like Stockton never led a team past Bird's Celtics, Magic's Lakers and Jordan's Bulls. Seems like Stockton got so tortured in a matchup against Isiah that Malone vindicated him the next game by elbowing Isiah in the face. Seems like Stockton never remotely approached Finals MVP. Seems like you never saw Isiah play otherwise you would NEVER compare those two guys.
@@BD-uw1kq Stockton was great, both sides of the ball, utterly incredible, the Lou Gehrig of basketball. Thomas made him look bad, regularly. Being number one in steals and assists speaks more to his durability than his greatness. That, and they did not start counting steals or blocks until the 1970's, or people would be talking about Russell or Chamberlain as the steals leader
People grow up with a fallacy about that 80's Piston era team of the "Bad Boys" who were just dirty and physical. They were highly skilled offensive players. Bill Laimbeer became arguably the first great 3 point shooting center. They had Dantley and then Maguire at small forward for them. Two of the most efficient scorers of that era. Then they had Dumars and Johnson to round out the guards. Extremely talented offensive players. And off the bench they had Buddha Edwards who was a low post scorer extraordinaire. Rodman and Salley were the least overall offensively talented of the group but they brought the energy and athleticism. And at the top of the heap was Isaiah. Supremely skilled offensively but willing to forgo some points for victories. Their toughness and physicality was just an extra advantage they had not their only asset. If that was all they had, they would have never gotten past the Celtics, Bulls or Lakers. Not to mention the other half dozen talented teams back then.
Don’t forget vinnie Johnson avg 15 pts a game off the bench. It was a 3 gaurd rotation that provided 54 pts a night. The hot hand of the 3 gaurds would always get the ball. People call it a hall of fame back court but forget the 3rd piece of it and most important on a lot of nights. There’s some good footage on UA-cam of vinnie coming in and taking over the entire game putting 15-20 up on lakers, Celtics, and bulls in the 3rd quarter and he did that on a regular basis.
I hated those Bad Boy Pistons but gotta admit everything you said is true. They didn't win just because they played like thugs, they won because they were a highly skilled, very deep and incredibly well-rounded team (who also happened to be the most cynical and dirty bunch in NBA history).
Agree with though not a fan of Detroit They played the rules of the day knick is were dirtier my take is carrying was allowed after MJ retired to aid scoring cause NBA was about to go back to low ratings,interest
Isiah is a legend and had the best character what's this guy talking about. He beat all those legends in the greatest era when the game had Magic, Kareem, Worthy, Jordan, Bird, McHale, Dr.J, Barkley, Drexler, Olajuwan, Dominique Wilkins, Karl Malone, Stockton. There's more legends I'm forgetting about right now but Isiah beat all those legends with a team full of castaways like Laimbeer, Mahorn, Vinnie Johnson, Budha Edwards, Aguire etc....players other teams didn't want anymore and Isiah led that team to 3 Finals appearances in a row winning two in a row. They don't give Isiah the credit he deserves.
@Wael Harp Well, I don’t know what comment specifically you are replying to, but of all us really believe that Isiah was great, and to me the number two just behind Magic... I guess the confusion was because someone up there said that Isiah was a menace, but he was talking about his game nothing else... And yes, Isiah was a menace, I wouldn’t have wanted be the one defending Isiah on the court because it would have been a long night to me, and this is what this dude up there meant. I think nobody can deny what you just said about Isiah.
Agreed. The original Isiah Thomas is the best pure-PG ever. He could have padded his stats and run up more regular season accolades, but he didn't for the good of his team. He held back in the regular season to allow his teammates to develop so they'd be ready for the playoffs. John Stockton was a great player, but he was clearly behind Zeke.
@@jichaelmorgan3796 apparently you didn't watch what IT did to Stockton after the dream team situation. Thomas punished that man. There was nothing "even" about them.
Him and the Big O for me.. Way to make the distinction. Isiah could score whenever he wanted and he had all the moves. Look at him( that's how you dribble)pulling up in guys face, dunking, making mf's look foolish. Remember how he used to show off in the allstar games.
Great video. Watched him almost every game growing up. Channel 50 Detroit, george blaha, isiah turning that team around and growing as leader was amazing to watch. Isiah favorite all time. Unreal.
Isiah's fundamentals were off the chart. Isiah was extremely athletic. His ball handling was unmatched in his era. People never gave him credit for his defense, which INCLUDES rebounding. When it came to skills, the 5 most skillful players I ever saw were in no particular order were; Isiah,Jordan, Bird, Rick Barry and Oscar Robertson.
curry is also underrated rebounder. fundementally sounded on boxing out bigger guys for the rebound. Isiah's ball handling and ball security is way better than Curry. Isiah don't throw dumb, careless passes away like curry.
@@donaldjohnson964 why do people keep overrating the college and NBA career of Pistol Pete? He is one of the least efficient players on both levels. He was a volume shooter with a low percentage and he was basically Russell Westbrook in his era with the ball. That's why LSU was garbage when he was there, why Atlanta was garbage when he was there as well as the Jazz . Do some actual research on his career
@@123slasher.16 Regardless what people think of Pete Mavarich...He was one of the best 🏀 handles ever...He was smart on both sides of the ball...Pete was a "Tremendous" scorer in College nvm not winning a National Championship in college or pros!...If you never saw Pete play ball with your own 👀...Your stats and opinion doesn't matter...In order to really have a opinion dig deeper than stats!.. Pete Mavarich was like "Larry Bird" in every asset of the game...Larry Bird immulated Pete Mavarich...Read what Larry Bird says about "Pistol Pete"!...If you didn't know...Now you know!!!...Until you actually watch some Actual video of him during that time... you'd retract your question...and by the way...I saw Pete Mavarich play when I was 10 against our beloved "Detroit Pistons" at Olympia stadium 🏟️ in downtown Detroit Michigan!... You hv no idea how good Pete Mavarich is... You're too young to know this...I hv more history for ya...Just ask...😆
@@donaldjohnson964 I can tell YOU never saw him play, just watched tapes. He was erratic his entire career. He didn't even make a NCAA Tournament because his dad just let him chuck shots. It amazes me when kids who never saw something questions those that did.
WOW!!!!! Sensational footage of one of THE most skilled players ever played the game!!!! Never before I got to see this - outstanding!!!! Thanx for posting!!!!
@@jeffvaliton4530 Whoa. Wait a minute now. If you think Isiah was a better point guard than Magic, you are entitled to your opinion. However, you simply cannot say Magic Johnson wasn't a good shooter. He shot 52% for his whole career, and though he wasn't a great defender, he wasn't terrible either. He was strong, and his size created major matchup problems. He played passing lanes well and got lots of steals in his career, and earlier in his career actually was the NBA leader in steals once.
Best point guard ever. He could score, handle, dish, ultimate floor general, clutch, tough. His only weakness was his size. If he was 6'5 he would be in the convo as the greatest player ever
@@anthonytaylor7928 it has alot to do with it. Magic size afforded him alot of benefit and he is considered the best ever. He was able to use his size to see over people and back them down and create mismatches.
@@E-Jizza aw stop it was a first for the NBA for a point guard of that size .what about all of the point guards before him if he had not came along then who would be the greatest ? A players height didn't stop a point guard from winning championships or mvps or all star selections or anything else . Because of height really?? C'mon now
I tell people all the time that no player in NBA history sacrificed more of their talent and held back their stats to better their overall team than Isiah Lord Thomas did . Think about these 2 small guards what they did on the college and NBA levels that Isiah Thomas could have easily done, Chris Jackson at LSU and Allen Iverson in the NBA . Jackson was a big time scorer in college and Iverson was a big time scorer in the NBA . Remember, Jackson played on a loaded LSU team with Shaq, the other big guy Stanley Roberts, Vernell Singleton and the Williamson kid. AI had NBA stars in Philly who all left because they didn't want to play with him . But here is my point, neither of those 2 guards won a title in college or the NBA while Isiah won 3 combined titles on both levels. Isiah diversified his game between top notch point guard, big time clutch scorer and shooter and defensive menace while both Jackson and AI concentrated on being one dimensional guys whose primary focus was getting their shots up.
@@riqgeez8776 I was living in LA in 1987 and the 1987 Pistons were not ready for the Lakers THAT year. Dumars was just in his 2nd year, still feeling his way around the league.
I was there for it all in the 80s. Isaiah is one of the greatest who ever laced them up. For my $$ best pure point guard ever. You can't write the history of the NBA without a heavy doze of Zeke's round ball wizardry.
Hold on now 🤔😬😬😬 I didn’t know Isaiah Thomas was THIS fkn good! I mean he’s CLEARLY among the best PLAYERS- not just PGs or guards- then and now. Yeah I think he could play in today’s game with no problems at all.
Simply the best point guard and the best player inch ratio in the history of the league. Ridiculous when you see him rating in video games and modern stuff like that.
In his prime, best NBA small guard to ever play. Saw him play at the old silver dome in Pontiac with Tripuka and of course, the Bad Boys. As fearless as he was talented, and along with Dumars, the best backcourt for many years. Add Vinnie Johnson in the rotation and you get the best guard rotation ever to play.
They call it *Controlled Artistry* with the 🏀 ❗️ This is what "Zeke" was known for. THIS is the real *POINT GOD* as y'all say! The Original, no substitute❗️❗️❗️▪️
And that’s why, with all due respect, Kyrie is not that special, because before him, players like Isaiah and Pistol Pete, were doing what he does and they did not have others to learn it from, THEY WERE THE CREATORS!!!
Sick video! So glad you pulled some of those f'n bounce pass alley-oops. I'd never seen that nutmeg clip either. If you're making a part 2. he has an amazing like full court, baseball throw style bounce pass that I think he did in an all-star game, I think would be cool to include. Everybody has to keep in mind he was 6'1" also! Lastly, gotta mention that 25pt. 3rd qtr. hobbling on a wrecked ankle in game 6 of the '88 finals against one of the best teams assembled in the Lakers that year. It is one of the more emotional basketball performances (if there is such a thing) around. Thanks for this vid.
Curry is a great player ,and has the perfect skillset for the rules and mindset of the game as it exists today. He is an out of this world shooter in a shooters paradise of moving picks and uncontested lanes...But he can't carry Isaiah Thomas' jock. I am sorry. Toughness,leadership and a Larry Bird level skillset that encompasses all aspects of the game coupled with crazy speed, quickness, hops and steel toughness. Isaiah came from some very mean streets in Chicago, was Bobby Knight's best player ever and won an NCAA Title before coming out as the number 2 pick as a Sophomore.. As was typical of the truly physical NBA in those days, I can still see Magic Johnson giving Isaiah a pregame kiss and then within the first couple of minutes flying across the lane to pop him with a very deliberate flying elbow to the head,drawing blood and a mere personal foul. ( ua-cam.com/video/GEOGkqoki9g/v-deo.html ) Isaiah was forged in a furnace Curry will never know while strolling down an open lane or heaving other Time Zone 3s against the no touch Defenses of today......Isiah could guard Curry. Curry would get embarrassed trying to stay with Isiah...No insult to Curry in any of this. Just an unfair comparison to one of the baddest,if not THE baddest guards to ever lace them up.And as a Celtics fan, I hated those fucking bad boy fucking Pistons...
I totally agree. Steph seems like a child compared to Isiah, most players today seem like kids compared to players back then. Maybe it’s just a generation thing of how kids are brought up. I have so much more respect for players like Isiah Thomas because of what they went through. Isiah would no question lock him down on defense. The only thing curry has in my opinion is the 3 point shot, and it does improve the game overall, but it also takes some of the beauty and I think entertainment of basketball.
I suscribe your words. The thing about three pointers... well the game didn't need that in Isiah's era. Otherwise they could have shot the threes in the same amount and percentage. A different ruleset and different approach prevent the players from shooting threes as if there were no tomorrow. If we remember, back in the day, three pointers were an exotic part of the game. As dunks were. That's the reason why they were circus exhibition at all-star games, as basketball had a lot of other ingredients back in the day. And that's why those contests are as not as entertaining anymore.
No one is guarding Curry. You need a team to guard him. Curry and Isiah both are great leaders who elevate their teams and put the team first. Curry beats everyone not just because he can shoot, but because he knows how to take over and he knows how to be unselfish, play offball and let the offense flow. Curry beats everyone today with his endurance. He can outrun you for 40 minutes. And he has great handles and finishing. Take away three pointers and Curry would still be a superstar. I'll give you that Isiah has the defense and toughness edge, but I believe shooting is a pretty important skill in basketball and Curry has the edge there by miles.
Isaiah Thomas would put curry in a washing machine on spin cycle for days. Curry would just give up. No1 in the league could guard Isaiah and he was 6'1. He was a shorter quicker Michael Jordan
I fell in love with basketball because of Isiah and the pistons. Isiah is the best point guard ever. Heart speed jump shot dribbling passing drive to the hole. 3 points shot. He was skilled in all of these situation. And he never got small in big moments like lebron.
Dang... you know Isaiah had to have SOME screws loose because he took it to the hole relentlessly where they punished you back in the day every time!! Watch when he gets smashed by Malone! He still came back AND played!!
Man listen.... I'm a Warriors fan...But Zeke cuzz....Being a lil fella during that time....He is definitely one of my all time favorite players... Remember that 4th quarter on one leg??? Greatness....
Dude what people dont talk about is his first couple years him and Kelly Tripuka was ave. about close to 30 and he toned it down so he could win. When Chuck Daily became coach if Im not mistaken.
Kids nowadays think that players such as Curry are some kind of God's that nobody has seen the likes of. The players back then weren't no joke. They would F up today's league
that's a great argument for the ages. still, i think thomas would've killed it in this highly regulated era of the nba. btw, what's the title of the song?
Zeke was one of top 5 playmakers of ALL time…25 points in a single quarter on a busted ankle folks….that’s decent for a whole game without a busted ankle…come on now… And God forbid you give him a lane…he’d blow past ANYONE and make the layup look easy. ….oh, and he was that good BEFORE the Pistons had 13 starters…don’t forget he lead destroying Boston, la, the bulls, etc….really, could go on and on.
It is like the Harlem Globetrotters sent their best guard to IU then to Detroit. Zeke was freakin' ridiculous 1:58, making his Airness look like he has a club foot.
YES!! Isiah was a complete player on offense and defense. Curry is a shooter and he checks out if the 3's he jacks up don't fall. Can't compare Isiah to Curry because Isiah was fearless and was comfortable in the paint. Curry stays out of the paint.
Steph Curry has a particular specialty which he has leveraged into a game-changing element of play. Take away his shot and he’s just another good point guard. Definitely good, but not anything to blow people’s minds. Zeke could do a lot of damage without scoring. A lot.
People just don't respect how bad zeek was. 6'1 maybe and dominated MJ and Bulls for years. Battled and beat Bird and the Celtics. Battled and beat Magic and the Lakers. On a team without another dominant offensive player. Hard working guys but not a perinnial all star or first ballot hall of famer teammate among them.
Truth be told, Isiah Thomas was skilled than Steph Curry. However Steph has his own strength in being the best 3 pointer in the league. Isiah was an all rounder guy - good in handles (dribbling between other players), steals, assists and rebounds too. He was a force to reckon with.
1:58 that crossover made me laugh. I don’t know why people think Morant would never do that on that defender. Pure obsession. It’s normal that a player crosses another one. It’s incomprehensible that some people think that some players would never cross another one
I wouldn’t say more skilled necessarily but Zeke had tighter handles and his game was quickness and more mid range to driving to the hoop. Steph has handles but it’s more used to create space for his shot, although he’s quite deceptive at getting to the cup as well. Isaiah was more flashy. And a true point guard but more your lead point guard type. Steph doesn’t initiate the offense and plays more off ball. Curry’s more like a combo point/shooting guard without the point guard duties like Zeke. Both great players in their respective eras. Since I was a Lakers, I didn’t get to watch Zeke play much but these highlights are nice!
What's so amazing about these highlights is the defenders Isiah was giving the business to .
There were All Defensive players, HOF players, bigger players and a group of players Isiah was breaking down off the dribble to get buckets.
More so then that its an era where perimeter defenders were allowed to make contact with ball handlers and teams were also playing 3 in 2 out or 4 in 1 out so when you did break down the defender you still had two big`s to finish over and through.
And he doesn't travel, and he doesn't palm. Best PG ever south of Magic.
He was the best to me because Magic was 6:10 think about that 🤔and how much easier it made it for magic to see the floor ✨️
@@terrellbatton3947 the basket will always be at 7'0" (3,05 mt.) from the floor, therefore height will always be part of the talent to play basketball.
We can say "if they were the same height Isiah would be better" but I disagree with "Isiah was better 'cause he was smaller"
Ahem, seems like the all time leader in assists AND steals (and leads both categories by a mile) is named Stockton.
@@BD-uw1kq Seems like Stockton never led a team past Bird's Celtics, Magic's Lakers and Jordan's Bulls.
Seems like Stockton got so tortured in a matchup against Isiah that Malone vindicated him the next game by elbowing Isiah in the face.
Seems like Stockton never remotely approached Finals MVP.
Seems like you never saw Isiah play otherwise you would NEVER compare those two guys.
@@BD-uw1kq Stockton was great, both sides of the ball, utterly incredible, the Lou Gehrig of basketball. Thomas made him look bad, regularly. Being number one in steals and assists speaks more to his durability than his greatness. That, and they did not start counting steals or blocks until the 1970's, or people would be talking about Russell or Chamberlain as the steals leader
I love Jordan and the bulls forever and ever but Zeke was just flat out phenomenal.
People grow up with a fallacy about that 80's Piston era team of the "Bad Boys" who were just dirty and physical. They were highly skilled offensive players. Bill Laimbeer became arguably the first great 3 point shooting center. They had Dantley and then Maguire at small forward for them. Two of the most efficient scorers of that era. Then they had Dumars and Johnson to round out the guards. Extremely talented offensive players. And off the bench they had Buddha Edwards who was a low post scorer extraordinaire. Rodman and Salley were the least overall offensively talented of the group but they brought the energy and athleticism. And at the top of the heap was Isaiah. Supremely skilled offensively but willing to forgo some points for victories. Their toughness and physicality was just an extra advantage they had not their only asset. If that was all they had, they would have never gotten past the Celtics, Bulls or Lakers. Not to mention the other half dozen talented teams back then.
Don’t forget vinnie Johnson avg 15 pts a game off the bench. It was a 3 gaurd rotation that provided 54 pts a night. The hot hand of the 3 gaurds would always get the ball.
People call it a hall of fame back court but forget the 3rd piece of it and most important on a lot of nights.
There’s some good footage on UA-cam of vinnie coming in and taking over the entire game putting 15-20 up on lakers, Celtics, and bulls in the 3rd quarter and he did that on a regular basis.
Greatly said
if pippen, hakeem and magic was from that squad too, possibly they could have done the best team ever.
I hated those Bad Boy Pistons but gotta admit everything you said is true. They didn't win just because they played like thugs, they won because they were a highly skilled, very deep and incredibly well-rounded team (who also happened to be the most cynical and dirty bunch in NBA history).
Agree with though not a fan of Detroit They played the rules of the day knick is were dirtier my take is carrying was allowed after MJ retired to aid scoring cause NBA was about to go back to low ratings,interest
How people quickly forget. Isiah was a menace when he had the ball.
Each of these players have their own skills and talent but Steph is a shooter. I prefer Steph and his character and personality
@@czts4778 His character? Like Isiah had a bad character gtf out of here.
Yes, people forget... Isiah was the best handler ever and a leader on the court. Happy New Year!
Isiah is a legend and had the best character what's this guy talking about. He beat all those legends in the greatest era when the game had Magic, Kareem, Worthy, Jordan, Bird, McHale, Dr.J, Barkley, Drexler, Olajuwan, Dominique Wilkins, Karl Malone, Stockton. There's more legends I'm forgetting about right now but Isiah beat all those legends with a team full of castaways like Laimbeer, Mahorn, Vinnie Johnson, Budha Edwards, Aguire etc....players other teams didn't want anymore and Isiah led that team to 3 Finals appearances in a row winning two in a row. They don't give Isiah the credit he deserves.
@Wael Harp Well, I don’t know what comment specifically you are replying to, but of all us really believe that Isiah was great, and to me the number two just behind Magic... I guess the confusion was because someone up there said that Isiah was a menace, but he was talking about his game nothing else... And yes, Isiah was a menace, I wouldn’t have wanted be the one defending Isiah on the court because it would have been a long night to me, and this is what this dude up there meant.
I think nobody can deny what you just said about Isiah.
No one before Isaiah or since has ever played like Isaiah, beloved Bad Boy!!
Agreed. The original Isiah Thomas is the best pure-PG ever. He could have padded his stats and run up more regular season accolades, but he didn't for the good of his team. He held back in the regular season to allow his teammates to develop so they'd be ready for the playoffs. John Stockton was a great player, but he was clearly behind Zeke.
About to see some Stockton highlights.
I'd call them even because of Zeke's titles and Stockton's shear numbers and longevity.
@@jichaelmorgan3796 apparently you didn't watch what IT did to Stockton after the dream team situation. Thomas punished that man. There was nothing "even" about them.
@@benyah3390 ACTUAL FACTS!!!!
Stockton was fundamental. Isiah was drive atheltic.
The best pure point guard in Basketball history. Magic was a freak of nature at 6'9
agreed!!! salute
Him and the Big O for me.. Way to make the distinction. Isiah could score whenever he wanted and he had all the moves. Look at him( that's how you dribble)pulling up in guys face, dunking, making mf's look foolish. Remember how he used to show off in the allstar games.
The chief of the crew of the pistons ,isiah Beat jordan ,Larry ,and Magic in the end of the 80s .
Great video. Watched him almost every game growing up. Channel 50 Detroit, george blaha, isiah turning that team around and growing as leader was amazing to watch. Isiah favorite all time. Unreal.
Isiah was 6'1" 180lbs but he had the biggest competitive heart in the NBA. My God what a great player. Best small guard ever in the NBA.
Love. This. Post. Thank u. 🤝👏🤝
Greatest point guard ever
Not as good as AI
@@antoniomaxwell1698 no. He is number 25 as a point guard..
@@roneldeleon8704 Maybe you should stay with girl's field hockey. Basketball ain't you.
Isiah's fundamentals were off the chart.
Isiah was extremely athletic.
His ball handling was unmatched in his era.
People never gave him credit for his defense, which INCLUDES rebounding.
When it came to skills, the 5 most skillful players I ever saw were in no particular order were;
Isiah,Jordan, Bird, Rick Barry and Oscar Robertson.
curry is also underrated rebounder. fundementally sounded on boxing out bigger guys for the rebound. Isiah's ball handling and ball security is way better than Curry. Isiah don't throw dumb, careless passes away like curry.
And don't forget Julius Erving...Pete Mavarich...Jerry West... That's a very long list of 5* star players with those abilities...✊
@@donaldjohnson964 why do people keep overrating the college and NBA career of Pistol Pete?
He is one of the least efficient players on both levels.
He was a volume shooter with a low percentage and he was basically Russell Westbrook in his era with the ball.
That's why LSU was garbage when he was there, why Atlanta was garbage when he was there as well as the Jazz .
Do some actual research on his career
@@123slasher.16 Regardless what people think of Pete Mavarich...He was one of the best 🏀 handles ever...He was smart on both sides of the ball...Pete was a "Tremendous" scorer in College nvm not winning a National Championship in college or pros!...If you never saw Pete play ball with your own 👀...Your stats and opinion doesn't matter...In order to really have a opinion dig deeper than stats!.. Pete Mavarich was like "Larry Bird" in every asset of the game...Larry Bird immulated Pete Mavarich...Read what Larry Bird says about "Pistol Pete"!...If you didn't know...Now you know!!!...Until you actually watch some Actual video of him during that time... you'd retract your question...and by the way...I saw Pete Mavarich play when I was 10 against our beloved "Detroit Pistons" at Olympia stadium 🏟️ in downtown Detroit Michigan!... You hv no idea how good Pete Mavarich is... You're too young to know this...I hv more history for ya...Just ask...😆
@@donaldjohnson964 I can tell YOU never saw him play, just watched tapes.
He was erratic his entire career.
He didn't even make a NCAA Tournament because his dad just let him chuck shots.
It amazes me when kids who never saw something questions those that did.
WOW!!!!! Sensational footage of one of THE most skilled players ever played the game!!!! Never before I got to see this - outstanding!!!! Thanx for posting!!!!
Greatest little guy that's ever played in the NBA.
No doubt. Unbelievable. Best point ever too. Magic couldn't shoot or defend.
@@jeffvaliton4530 Whoa. Wait a minute now. If you think Isiah was a better point guard than Magic, you are entitled to your opinion. However, you simply cannot say Magic Johnson wasn't a good shooter. He shot 52% for his whole career, and though he wasn't a great defender, he wasn't terrible either. He was strong, and his size created major matchup problems. He played passing lanes well and got lots of steals in his career, and earlier in his career actually was the NBA leader in steals once.
@@SECRETARIATguy224, like Kobe pointed out, Magic couldn't win without Kareem.
John Stockton is the greatest point guard ever. All time assist and steals leader. He accomplished more with less than most other point guards did.
@@jcpenny3606 Um, no.
Isiah Thomas so skilled guy. One of my top ten players
Sweet👊
Forged in Chicago, honed at Indiana, hardened in Detroit.
These youngsters don't know how amazing and fun it was to watch that man play.
Not even close Isiah was the best
He is never an amazing player. I saw him play and I saw Steph Curry play. Not even close. Steph will eat him alive haha
@@roneldeleon8704 Steph plays in a league void of stellar defense. He couldn't match what Thomas did...
You're having fun Isiah hurting all these players.
Greatest little man ever!!
@@jameyhooper8365 I disagree. Number 25 point guard of all time. That is Isiah..
Best point guard ever. He could score, handle, dish, ultimate floor general, clutch, tough.
His only weakness was his size. If he was 6'5 he would be in the convo as the greatest player ever
Aw stop that don't make a difference what does size has to do with being the best ever thats just plain silly
@@anthonytaylor7928 it has alot to do with it. Magic size afforded him alot of benefit and he is considered the best ever. He was able to use his size to see over people and back them down and create mismatches.
@@E-Jizza aw stop it was a first for the NBA for a point guard of that size .what about all of the point guards before him if he had not came along then who would be the greatest ? A players height didn't stop a point guard from winning championships or mvps or all star selections or anything else . Because of height really?? C'mon now
He's tough and can take dozens of stitches from a wayward elbow
I tell people all the time that no player in NBA history sacrificed more of their talent and held back their stats to better their overall team than Isiah Lord Thomas did .
Think about these 2 small guards what they did on the college and NBA levels that Isiah Thomas could have easily done, Chris Jackson at LSU and Allen Iverson in the NBA .
Jackson was a big time scorer in college and Iverson was a big time scorer in the NBA .
Remember, Jackson played on a loaded LSU team with Shaq, the other big guy Stanley Roberts, Vernell Singleton and the Williamson kid.
AI had NBA stars in Philly who all left because they didn't want to play with him .
But here is my point, neither of those 2 guards won a title in college or the NBA while Isiah won 3 combined titles on both levels.
Isiah diversified his game between top notch point guard, big time clutch scorer and shooter and defensive menace while both Jackson and AI concentrated on being one dimensional guys whose primary focus was getting their shots up.
he played like a true champion
Zeke should've had 4 NBA World Championships 87' & 88'
@@riqgeez8776 I was living in LA in 1987 and the 1987 Pistons were not ready for the Lakers THAT year.
Dumars was just in his 2nd year, still feeling his way around the league.
Best. Ever. Pound for pound. 💫
Those highlights against Utah are after he was left off the dream team, so naturally he had to make Stockton look like a middle schooler 😂
Zeke dribbles. The rest of the guys doing now is palming.....
Yes Sir facts
Criminal that he was excluded from the Dream Team
The other amazing aspect is what Isiah came from....and what he went through in his life to get to where he is today.......
Zeke is the only point guard that I would take over magic.thats because I'm a detroit fan
I agree I would take Isaiah off from magic because, he beat magic in the finals twice, one officially and one unofficially those who know know
Mind you this only part of it, the passing was the real wizardry
I was there for it all in the 80s. Isaiah is one of the greatest who ever laced them up. For my $$ best pure point guard ever.
You can't write the history of the NBA without a heavy doze of Zeke's round ball wizardry.
Hold on now 🤔😬😬😬
I didn’t know Isaiah Thomas was THIS fkn good! I mean he’s CLEARLY among the best PLAYERS- not just PGs or guards- then and now. Yeah I think he could play in today’s game with no problems at all.
Today's game is much easier with no defense and no effort. Isiah would destroy people in today's league offense and defense.
Stop holding on to Jordan’s nut sack too tight. Maybe you could learn something!!!
Pay attention to how many of those highlights we're inside the paint going against the Giants. Dude was straight Fearless
Simply the best point guard and the best player inch ratio in the history of the league. Ridiculous when you see him rating in video games and modern stuff like that.
The best point guard ever is Stephen Curry. Also, Magic Johnson and John Stockton are better than Isiah Thomas.
@@Videos-sobre-punhos-e-rodas Stockton never led a team to a chip nevermind 2. Almost 3 if he wasn´t injured in game 6 during 1988
@@miracleosaslouis5588 He was facing the greatest NBA team of all time, what did you expect for John Stockton?
@@Videos-sobre-punhos-e-rodas Steph is the best shooter ever, but he isn't a pure PG he's more of a combo guard
Nice🤝
The greatest pure point guard ever!
Idiots disagree. 🤝
If Thomas played today he would be a regular MVP.
No he was great especially for only being around 5"10 playing among giants but he's not better that Iverson or Kylie Irving
@@marvinhewitt269 He was much better player than both Iverson and Kyrie
he really deserved to be in the Dream team 1992
@@mikjord I don’t even think Isiah would agree with that lol.
@@unanimousdecision61072 time nba champ kid, go do your homework 🤣
Truly one of the great point guards, I always wondered what he would have been like on the dream team. Also great music choice for the video
Left that man off the Dream Team for an immigrant and college kid was disrespectful
"But...but...but there was nobody in the MJ era that could dribble" - 15 year olds today.
In his prime, best NBA small guard to ever play. Saw him play at the old silver dome in Pontiac with Tripuka and of course, the Bad Boys. As fearless as he was talented, and along with Dumars, the best backcourt for many years. Add Vinnie Johnson in the rotation and you get the best guard rotation ever to play.
You just made me a fan of Isiah Thomas and The Eagles!
Fleetwood Mac
They call it *Controlled Artistry* with the 🏀 ❗️
This is what "Zeke" was known for.
THIS is the real *POINT GOD* as y'all say! The Original, no substitute❗️❗️❗️▪️
Isiah had more in his locker than Steph thats just a fact
Zeke the Freek!! Chicago built Detroit made.
And that’s why, with all due respect, Kyrie is not that special, because before him, players like Isaiah and Pistol Pete, were doing what he does and they did not have others to learn it from, THEY WERE THE CREATORS!!!
Sick video! So glad you pulled some of those f'n bounce pass alley-oops. I'd never seen that nutmeg clip either. If you're making a part 2. he has an amazing like full court, baseball throw style bounce pass that I think he did in an all-star game, I think would be cool to include. Everybody has to keep in mind he was 6'1" also! Lastly, gotta mention that 25pt. 3rd qtr. hobbling on a wrecked ankle in game 6 of the '88 finals against one of the best teams assembled in the Lakers that year. It is one of the more emotional basketball performances (if there is such a thing) around. Thanks for this vid.
He finds space where there is none, just glides right through.
Wow, my favourite player and favourite song,great video!
The oop off the bounce pass is a forgotten art…..🔥🔥🔥
Curry is a great player ,and has the perfect skillset for the rules and mindset of the game as it exists today. He is an out of this world shooter in a shooters paradise of moving picks and uncontested lanes...But he can't carry Isaiah Thomas' jock. I am sorry. Toughness,leadership and a Larry Bird level skillset that encompasses all aspects of the game coupled with crazy speed, quickness, hops and steel toughness. Isaiah came from some very mean streets in Chicago, was Bobby Knight's best player ever and won an NCAA Title before coming out as the number 2 pick as a Sophomore.. As was typical of the truly physical NBA in those days, I can still see Magic Johnson giving Isaiah a pregame kiss and then within the first couple of minutes flying across the lane to pop him with a very deliberate flying elbow to the head,drawing blood and a mere personal foul. ( ua-cam.com/video/GEOGkqoki9g/v-deo.html ) Isaiah was forged in a furnace Curry will never know while strolling down an open lane or heaving other Time Zone 3s against the no touch Defenses of today......Isiah could guard Curry. Curry would get embarrassed trying to stay with Isiah...No insult to Curry in any of this. Just an unfair comparison to one of the baddest,if not THE baddest guards to ever lace them up.And as a Celtics fan, I hated those fucking bad boy fucking Pistons...
I totally agree. Steph seems like a child compared to Isiah, most players today seem like kids compared to players back then. Maybe it’s just a generation thing of how kids are brought up. I have so much more respect for players like Isiah Thomas because of what they went through. Isiah would no question lock him down on defense. The only thing curry has in my opinion is the 3 point shot, and it does improve the game overall, but it also takes some of the beauty and I think entertainment of basketball.
I suscribe your words. The thing about three pointers... well the game didn't need that in Isiah's era. Otherwise they could have shot the threes in the same amount and percentage. A different ruleset and different approach prevent the players from shooting threes as if there were no tomorrow.
If we remember, back in the day, three pointers were an exotic part of the game. As dunks were. That's the reason why they were circus exhibition at all-star games, as basketball had a lot of other ingredients back in the day. And that's why those contests are as not as entertaining anymore.
Excellent reply
this almost brought a tear to my eye 😹
No one is guarding Curry. You need a team to guard him. Curry and Isiah both are great leaders who elevate their teams and put the team first. Curry beats everyone not just because he can shoot, but because he knows how to take over and he knows how to be unselfish, play offball and let the offense flow. Curry beats everyone today with his endurance. He can outrun you for 40 minutes. And he has great handles and finishing. Take away three pointers and Curry would still be a superstar. I'll give you that Isiah has the defense and toughness edge, but I believe shooting is a pretty important skill in basketball and Curry has the edge there by miles.
Totally different player, physically and mentally. That said, I'd take Thomas over Curry all day long.
I love this. My favorite player ever.
Excellent Collection!
Isaiah Thomas would put curry in a washing machine on spin cycle for days. Curry would just give up. No1 in the league could guard Isaiah and he was 6'1. He was a shorter quicker Michael Jordan
I fell in love with basketball because of Isiah and the pistons. Isiah is the best point guard ever. Heart speed jump shot dribbling passing drive to the hole. 3 points shot. He was skilled in all of these situation. And he never got small in big moments like lebron.
It was a mistake to replace this master in the 92 dream team for Stockton. I would have loved to see him play live. A real magician and clutch player
What it do fam.... new subscriber and shout out from Memphis-10... this is my favorite point guard of all time... stay up and stay blessed 💯
Thanks for the sub. Appreciate you.
Isiah Thomas is the second greatest point guard in NBA history
Behind Magic?
Great video! The music didn't do justice for such a great player though.
Dang... you know Isaiah had to have SOME screws loose because he took it to the hole relentlessly where they punished you back in the day every time!! Watch when he gets smashed by Malone! He still came back AND played!!
Unreal. How many players could have done that? Prodigy and genius of the game. Pound for pound…….
Man listen.... I'm a Warriors fan...But Zeke cuzz....Being a lil fella during that time....He is definitely one of my all time favorite players... Remember that 4th quarter on one leg??? Greatness....
Best pure point guard ever.. not even close.
Second greatest point guard of all time
everyone is a prisoner of the moments for their era...Isiah is an elite talent not defined by an era
Dude what people dont talk about is his first couple years him and Kelly Tripuka was ave. about close to 30 and he toned it down so he could win. When Chuck Daily became coach if Im not mistaken.
Fact! You are 💯 percent right he was a scoring machine his first couple of years and did tone it down to win championships
And people say if A.I. was 6'6 he would've been the best no if Zeke was 6'6 MJ would've been in some really serious shiit.
Hard one to call, both of them truly special players. Nice vid 👌 🏀
With just this highlight reel, he's in my top ten overall. 😆 Easy to not like Zeke, but his talent was extraordinary.
he up'd his game in the playoffs and finals, not sure Curry can say the same.
😂😂😂😂😂
One of the best, silky smooth
Isiah is much better, he had full game skills not just three point taking abilities and dribbling.
Isiah thomas was the best pure point guard period. The only thing Magic had on Isiah was size. If Isiah was 6'5 he would be in the GOAT conversation.
I’m 45 and I still got a grudge against him for how he used to destroy my Bulls…😂
In a word, YES! These people must have forgotten...
👏👏👏💯 He can break down Jordan facts 👈I love watching his heart and determination 👈
The best layup maker ever.
This video showed me that some people back then were afraid and envied Isiah
His crosses, between the legs, are very close to the body.
Just found who kyrie Erving plays like now thanks for this footage history repeats kyrie is the Isaiah Thomas of this area 🤔
Of this Era!!!
Kids nowadays think that players such as Curry are some kind of God's that nobody has seen the likes of. The players back then weren't no joke. They would F up today's league
that's a great argument for the ages. still, i think thomas would've killed it in this highly regulated era of the nba.
btw, what's the title of the song?
The Chain by Fleetwood Mac
Definetely and without question More Skilled Than Steph Curry
Zeke was one of top 5 playmakers of ALL time…25 points in a single quarter on a busted ankle folks….that’s decent for a whole game without a busted ankle…come on now…
And God forbid you give him a lane…he’d blow past ANYONE and make the layup look easy.
….oh, and he was that good BEFORE the Pistons had 13 starters…don’t forget he lead destroying Boston, la, the bulls, etc….really, could go on and on.
The razzle dazzle on zeke is unmatched
Bring back the bounce pass alley-oop!!
It is like the Harlem Globetrotters sent their best guard to IU then to Detroit. Zeke was freakin' ridiculous 1:58, making his Airness look like he has a club foot.
at the 2:00 min mark he crossed the hell out of MJ !!!! LOL
YES!! Isiah was a complete player on offense and defense. Curry is a shooter and he checks out if the 3's he jacks up don't fall. Can't compare Isiah to Curry because Isiah was fearless and was comfortable in the paint. Curry stays out of the paint.
lol
Forever and ever good old number 11!!
If Zeke was 6'5" he would be MJ or better.
And don't forget, 16 points in 90 seconds.
Steph Curry has a particular specialty which he has leveraged into a game-changing element of play.
Take away his shot and he’s just another good point guard. Definitely good, but not anything to blow people’s minds. Zeke could do a lot of damage without scoring. A lot.
"Hi Zeke, this here Karl Malone elbow." 🤣
People just don't respect how bad zeek was. 6'1 maybe and dominated MJ and Bulls for years. Battled and beat Bird and the Celtics. Battled and beat Magic and the Lakers. On a team without another dominant offensive player.
Hard working guys but not a perinnial all star or first ballot hall of famer teammate among them.
He did get respect what are u talking about
Damn nice layup package
Truth be told, Isiah Thomas was skilled than Steph Curry. However Steph has his own strength in being the best 3 pointer in the league. Isiah was an all rounder guy - good in handles (dribbling between other players), steals, assists and rebounds too. He was a force to reckon with.
It was a more team oriented (thus more valuable) version of 'The Answer", AI.
1:58 that crossover made me laugh. I don’t know why people think Morant would never do that on that defender. Pure obsession. It’s normal that a player crosses another one. It’s incomprehensible that some people think that some players would never cross another one
You're not gonna convince me that someone in a league with no hand check or forearm in the lower back is better than Zeke! Never!
Yes. He was more skilled. And he wasn’t the only one.
The media tries to sell Stockton as a better defender, but Isiah used to just run by him like he wasn't there.
Wow!
I wouldn’t say more skilled necessarily but Zeke had tighter handles and his game was quickness and more mid range to driving to the hoop. Steph has handles but it’s more used to create space for his shot, although he’s quite deceptive at getting to the cup as well. Isaiah was more flashy. And a true point guard but more your lead point guard type. Steph doesn’t initiate the offense and plays more off ball. Curry’s more like a combo point/shooting guard without the point guard duties like Zeke. Both great players in their respective eras. Since I was a Lakers, I didn’t get to watch Zeke play much but these highlights are nice!